Thomas, we now know, will make $197,800 this season — making him the sixth-highest paid player on the team. He signed for a base salary of $187,800, so it’s safe to presume the $10,000 difference was part or all of a signing bonus (since he hasn’t been around long enough to earn a marketing bonus).

The difference between base salary and total compensation, the MLSPU explained, is due to signing bonuses averaged out over the life of a contract along with marketing bonuses or agent’s fees.

The Rapids’ biggest jump from base salary to total paycheck this season goes to Marvell Wynne, whose base pay jumped from $250,000 to a year-end $326,667 payout.

Wynne is the second-highest paid player on the team this season, behind only Conor Casey.

Other noteworthy numbers:

** Martin Rivero, who leads the team in assists this season, will take home the fourth-lowest salary among field players on the team in 2012 with $50,004. His pay is ahead of Kamani Hill, Chris Klute and Joseph Nane (backup goalkeepers Ian Joyce and Steward Ceus also make less).

** $238,812 in total will go to players without any minutes played this season (or about 7 percent of the team’s total; consider it insurance).

** The total team salary listed below adds up to $3,087,174. It is unclear what former players salaries factor into which team’s payroll. It’d be wise to consider that total only an estimate (accounting can be like wizardry).

Here are the Rapids’ player salaries for 2012 (as of Oct. 1):With base salary listed first, followed by total guaranteed compensation

One only need look at the paltry salaries payed to the work horses compared to the livable wages payed the former stars to see where attitude issues might stem from. This is a good team with a great fan base. First to worst in a couple of seasons is a reflection more on poor management decisions. If you’re not going to pay a DP at least pay your starters a wage they can live on!